Reflector assembly for fluorescent tubes



O. PODANY April 9, 1968 REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FLUORESCENT TUBES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 215, 1965 INVENTOR.

0 DIP/ch' Po oAA/y April 9, 1968 o. PODANY REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FLUORESCENT TUBES 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 215,

INVENTOR.

0a ef cH ,vaan/uy O. PODANY April 9, 1968 REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FLUORESCENT TUBES 3 Sheets-Sheet Filed Dec. 23, 1965 l INVENTOR.

0 @,e/cf/ Pa/wu J/ 3,377,482 REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FLUORESCENT TUBES Oldrich Potlany, 87-07 51st Ave., Elmhurst, N.Y. 11373 Filed Dec. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 516,962 13 Claims. (Cl. 249-103) This invention relates to a reflector assembly for fluorescent tubes and more particularly to a reflector assembly which is mounted for axial rotation along the longitudinal axis of a fluorescent tube so as to substantially eliminate vibration of the tube, maintain maximum illumination through a minimum of curvature or refiecting surface and control the air flow around the tube to maintain a dust-free atmosphere.

Fluorescent lighting fixtures are employed in homes and primarily in industrial buildings of all types. Their use is advantageous because less heat is produced, the tubes have a longer useful life and the light produced therefrom is more evenly distributed over a given area than the light emanating from the use of an incandescent lamp of the same wattage.

Reflectors for fluorescent fixtures have been used in an attempt to obtain maximum illumination from a fluorescent tube when lit. However, these reflectors are generally mounted on some portion of a frame and not on the tube itself and such reflectors are unable to reflect maximum illumination of a fluorescent tube and do not afford a means for directing the light to a given area. Also, reflectors of this type, when employed, do not afford a means for preventing dust from accumulating on a tube and reflecting surface, thereby reducing the lighting efficiency of a fixture. Further, the use of these reflectors does not overcome the problem of vibration.

Fluorescent tubes are manufactured in various lengths and diameters, ranging from approximately 18 to 8 in length and from approximately /8 to 21/2 in diameter. A tube is mounted on brackets and held in electrical connection by spring clips at opposite ends. These spring clips are generally adequate for holding a tube in position but after prolonged use become weakened and vibrations which occur either as a result of operating machinery or those caused by various types of traflic will cause the tube to disengage itself from the spring clips and fall from a fixture. This condition is dangerous when people are working underneath fluorescent fixtures or in close proximity thereto. Also, the fluorescent chemicals employed in the manufacture of fluorescent tubes are harmful to people when released from a tube. Also, excessive vibrations reduce the useful life of a tube.

It is an object of my invention to provide a reflector assembly for fluorescent tubes which overcomes the difliculties and disadvantages heretofore encountered, and which is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture and relatively simple to assemble to existing fluorescent fixtures.

Another object of my invention is to provide a reflector assembly which may be mounted for axial rotation alo-ng the longitudinal axis of a fluorescent tube, maintain a tube substantially dust free over prolonged periods of time and substantially eliminate vibration of a fluorescent tube, thereby reducing the hazard of a tube falling from a fixture and increasing the useful life of a tube.

It is another object of my invention to provide a reflector of a specified curvature having a reflecting film which will selectively reflect substantially all of the light in the visible range and substantially eliminate all of the light from the infra-red and ultra-violet range.

It is also another object of my invention to provide a mounting means for maintaining a reflector at a fixed relative position with respect to the longitudinal axis of States Patent O 3,377,482 Patented Apr. 9, i968 ICC a tube so as to provide a controlled air flow around the tube to maintain the air therearound substantially dust free.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a mounting means for axially rotating a reflector assembly around the longitudinal axis of a tube so to maintain maximum illumination over a given area.

My invention generally contemplates providing a reflector assembly having means for mounting a reflector in a fixed space relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of a fluorescent tube. A reflector is formed having a predetermined arcuate configuration and is provided with a reflecting film so as to maintain maximum illumination through a minimum of curvature of the reflecting surface and to selectively reflect light of the visible range. Also means are provided on the reflector assembly for axial rotation around the longitudinal axis of a fluorescent tube so as to provide a means for controlling the air flow around a fluorescent tube which will substantially maintain a dust-free atmosphere.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating one form of my reflector assembly in which:

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the curvature of the reflector;

FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary perspective view illustrating my reflector assembly mounted for axial rotation around a fluorescent tube;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plane View of my reflector assembly mounted to a fluorescent tube;

FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary front elevational view of my reflector assembly mounted to a fluorescent tube;

FlG. 5 is a perspective view of the bracket which is mounted to a fluorescent tube and which provides means for mounting the reflector thereto;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on the lines 6 6 of FIG. 4, illustrating the air flow passing around the tube and between the reflecting surface so that dust particles are collected on the filtering means;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of FIG. 6 illustrating the reflecting surface fixed in spaced relation tothe surface of a fluorescent tube;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the axial rotation of my reflector assembly around a fluorescent tube;

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view similar to that of FIG. 6 illustrating light beingreflected from the reflecting surface of my reflector; and

FIG. l0 is a transverse sectional view illustrating a pair of reflecting assemblies mounted on adjacent fluorescent tubes.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference is made to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 2 through I8, inclusive, in which the numeral l10 generally denotes the entire reflector assembly.

Reflector 12 having predetermined 'top and bottom curved surfaces 13 and 14, respectively, may be formed of any suitable material such as metal, rigid plastic, or the like. Where metal is employed, surface 14 may be highly polished for reflecting light from fluorescent tube T. Where plastic or metal is employed, reflecting surface 14 may be a film of highly polished and reflecting material such as platinum, osmium, ruthenium, ru-bidiufm, iridium, or mixtures thereof or may be any other metallic material which will efliciently reflect light and which has a high resistance to atmospheric oxidation and/or lmaterials that exhibit light absorption properties. Such other materials may be nickel, chromium, silver and the like or any alloys which will exhibit these properties. It is, however, preferred that materials employed for reflecting surface 14 have the property of reflecting visible light and absorbing invisible light, such as light from the lower end of the visible range, i.e. ultra-violet and light from the upper end of the visible range, i.e. infra-red.

Reflecting surface 14 may be applied to reflector 12 by any of the known methods of deposition of film surfaces to a given object, such as spraying, dipping, electrochemical plating, or by any of the other known plating methods.

The curvature of reflector 12 comprises an arcuate surface shaped substantially like an airfoil and so determined that a maximum deflection of light is obtained throu-gh a minimum of curvature of reflector surface 14 and can best be observed in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 sets forth the curvature of a reflector which is approximately 5" in width when measured along the transverse axis. Thus, where a reflector of 1" is required along the transverse axis, that segment of the curve, as shown in FIG. l, would be employed between the points and l, and if a width of is required, then the entire curve would be employed. It has been found when a reflector is employed having the curvature of FIG. 1 that a maximum deflection of light is obtained through a minimum of curvature of reflector area. Of course, slight variations in amplitude of the curve of FIG. l may be employed without detracting from the arcuate configuration of the reflector, as indicated in FIG. 1.

Bracket 16 is of unitary design and is formed of an elongated strip of spring metal or any other metal or plastic material having spring-like properties. Arm 18 is formed having approximately the curvature of reflector 12, as shown in FIG. 1, and is provided with means at each end thereof for removably mounting reflector 12. However, arm 18 may be of any desired curvature provided that means are disposed at each end thereof for removably mounting reflector 12. The means may be formed in a substantially U configuration disposed at each end of arm 18 at 20 and 21 so as to provide a track for reflector 12 to be mounted therein as seen best in FIG. 2. Arm 18 may be formed with an offset 22 adjacent the outer end 20 so as to provide a mounting means for dust filter 24, which is also best seen in FIG. 1. Reflector 12 may be conveniently formed with a laterally upstanding portion formed at its outer end so as to aid in maintaining filter 24 in a relatively fixed position when reflector assembly is mounted in a xed position to a fluorescent tube.

Arm 1'8 at inner end 21 is formed with a pair of arcuate spring members 25 and 26 having a curvature similar to the curvature of a fluorescent tube. Spring member 26 is folded towards and extends away from inner end 21 of arm 18 thus forming a figure S-like configuration. Spring member 25 is formed with an offset with respect to inner end 21. At each end of spring members 25 and 26, spring retaining means are for-.med as laterally projecting tabs so that spring 30 or any other fastening means may be releasably connected thereto to hold reflector assembly 10 in a desired position on fluorescent tube T. In order to reduce any axial rotation of reflector assembly 10, a gasket or an elastomeric tube 32 may be mounted on spring arms 2S and 26. Gasket 32 also aids in cushioning the reflector assembly against the exterior of a fluorescent tube.

In FIG. 6, reflector assembly 10 is shown mounted to a fluorescent tube and depicts the flow of air passing between reflector 12 and fluorescent tube T. The distance between the outer surface of fluorescent tube T and reflector 12 may vary in accordance with the diameter of fluorescent tube T. Thus, the distance maintained therebetween may be from approximately 1/5 to 1/1 of the diameter of fluorescent tube T. This distance is shown in FIG. 6 and is illustrated in FIG. 7 in a somewhat enlarged fragmentary sectional view, so as to better illustrate the fixed space relationship of reflector 12 to the surface of fluorescent tube T.

It has been found that due to the heat emanating from fluorescent tube T, air will pass between reflector 12 and through and around the leading edge of reflector 12 so that any dust particles contained in the air will be deposited along the upper surface 13 of reflector 12 and held in place by offset 22 of bracket 16. Because the distance of reflector 12 is such that air will pass through the opening at a high velocity so that the dust contained in the air will be swept past fluorescent tube T and will flow in such a manner as seen in FIG. 6. After the air is above reflector 12, the velocity of the air is decreased and dust will settle as seen in FIG. 6. Thus, the air passing around fluorescent tube T will remain substantially dust free.

-In FIG. 8, reflector assembly 10 illustrates the various positions of axial rotations about the longitudinal axis of fluorescent tube T. Also, fluorescent tube T is shown mounted within a frame F of a fluorescent fixture and radii extending from the longitudinal axis of fluorescent tube T clearly illustrate that reflector assembly 10 is always at a predetermined space relationship with respect to fluorescent tube T, thus enabling maximum deflection of light through a minimum of curvature of reflector area. This is best illustrated in FIG. 9.

In FIG. 10, a pair of reflector assemblies 10 are mounted on a pair of fluorescent tubes T in parallel relationship to each other. Thus, where a fixture contains two or more fluorescent tubes, maximum intensity of light produced therefrom is reflected to a given area. The reflector assemblies 10 are mounted in such a manner as to occupy a minimum amount of space around fluorescent tubes T and may be easily mounted within fluorescent frame F so as to be axially rotatable therein. When mounting reflector assembly 10 to fluorescent tube T, at least a pair of brackets 16 are employed to removably mount reflector 12 therein. The brackets are spaced in such a manner so as to reduce the frequency of vibration along fluorescent tube T. This is accomplished through the use of reflector 12 which aids` in stabilizing any vibrations and helps to absorb them through reflector assembly 10. Thus, by employing a reflector assembly in accordance with my invention herein, the vibrations generally associated with fluorescent tubes are substantially eliminated.

It is obvious that many variations in construction and use of materials may be employed without departing` from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having described the invention what is claimed is:

1. A unit-ary bracket for mounting a light reflecting member adapted to be removably received on a fluorescent tube and adjustable about its longitudinal axis comprising: fan elongated strip of spring material having one end bifurcated along a median line; said bifurcated portions being formed to define a generally semi-circular configuration `thereby substantially encircling in circumjacent relation said tube; connecting means; said means connectt ing said bifurcated portions to completely encircle the tube for mounting said bracket; first means formed at the other end of said strip for receiving an edge portion of the light reflecting member; second means formed on said strip between the ends thereof for receiving the opposite edge por tion of the light reflecting member; said second means spaced from said first means by an arm portion which overlies said reflecting member when the latter is mounted t lby said first and second means; said second means radially removed a predetermined distance by an offset formed in said bracket; said offset disposed between the apex of said semi-circular portions and said second means; and said ofset providing an air passage between the tube and the lower surface of the reecting member when mounted on said bracket.

`2. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising a tab formed at the end of each bifurcated portion to receive an end of a spring member for attaching the bracket to the tube.

3. The bracket of claim 1 wherein said arm portion assumes an arcuate configuration which generally conforms to the upper surface of said reflecting member.

4. The bracket of claim 3 wherein said arm adjacent said first rnc-ans is provided with an offset to mount a dust filter.

5. The bracket of claim 1 wherein said predetermined distance is approximately 3/5 to j/f the diameter of said tube.

6. A light reflector assembly adjustably mounted for axial rotation about the longitudinal axis of a fluorescent tube comprising: a unitary bracket; a reflecting member mounted on said bracket; said reflecting member having leading and trailing edge portions and arcuately shaped generally in the form of an airfoil having an upper surface and a lo-wer reflecting surface; said reflecting surface being formed of a light reflecting material; said unitary bracket formed from an elongated strip of spring material having one end bifurcated along a median line; said bifurcated portions being formed to define a generally semicircular configuration thereby substantially encircling in circumjacent relation said tube; first means formed at the other end `of said strip for receiving the trailing edge portion of the reflecting member; second means formed on said stri-p between the ends thereof for receiving the leading edge por-tion of the reflecting member and spaced from said first means by an arm portion which overlies said reflecting member when the latter is mounted by said first and second means; said reflecting member mounted between said rst and second means and radially removed a predetermined distance by an offset formed in said bracket; said offset disposed between the apex of said semicircular portions and said second means to provide an air passage between the tube and the lower surface of said reflecting member; and means to mount said bracket on said tube.

7. The light reflector of claim 6 wherein said reflecting material is selected from the group consisting of platinum, osmium, ruthenium, rubidiurn and iridium.

8. The light reflector of claim 6 wherein said arm adjacent said first means is provided with an offset to mount a dust filter.

9. The light reflector of claim 6 wherein said predetermined distance is approximately 3%, lto J/7 the diameter of the tube.

10. The light reflector of claim 6 wherein said semicircular portions are provided with an elastomeric tubing so as to prevent said assembly from rotating when mounted to said fluorescent tube.

il. The light reflector of claim 6 wherein a dust filter is mounted along the trailing edge of the upper surface of the reflector.

12. The light reflector assembly of claim 6 further comprising a second reflecting member, a second bracket member removably receiving said second reflecting member and adapted to be mounted on ya second fluorescent tube lying in parallel relationship with the first tube whereby the second member assumes the mirror image position of the first.

13. A unitary bracket for mounting a light reflecting member adapted Ito be removably received on a fluorescent tube and adjustable about its longitudinal axis comprising: an elongated strip of spring material having one end bifurcated ,along a median line, said bifurcated portions being formed to define a generally semi-circular configuration thereby substantially encircling in circumjacent relation said tube; connecting means; said means connecting said bifurcated portions to completely encircle the tube for mounting said bracket; first means formed at the other end of said strip for receiving an edge portion of the light reflecting member; second means formed on said strip between the ends thereof for receiving the opposite edge portion of the light reflecting member; said second means spaced from said rst means by an arm portion which overlies said reflecting member when the latter is mounted by said first and second means; said arm portion having an arcuate configuration which generally conforms to the lupper surface of said reflecting member; said reflecting member mounted between said first and second means and being radially removed by a predetermined distance and yoffset from the apex of said semi-circular portions to provide an air passage between the tube and the lower surface of said reflecting member.

References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,306,700 12/ 1942 Kantack 240-5 l .11 2,434,440 l/1948 Schafranek 240-52.5 2,448,236 8/ 1948 Schneiderman et al. 24U-51.11 2,583,939 l/1952 French et al Z-51.11 3,194,958 7/1965 Schneiderman 24U-51.11

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

W. M. FRYE, RICHARD M. SHEER,

Assistant Examiners. 

1. A UNITARY BRACKET FOR MOUNTING A LIGHT REFLECTING MEMBER ADAPTED TO BE REMOVABLY RECEIVED ON A FLUORESCENT TUBE AND ADJUSTABLE ABOUT ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED STRIP OF SPRING MATERIAL HAVING ONE END BIFURCATED ALONG A MEDIAN LINE; SAID BIFURCATED PORTIONS BEING FORMED TO DEFINE A GENERALLY SEMI-CIRCULAR CONFIGURATION THEREBY SUBSTANTIALLY ENCIRCLING IN CIRCUMJACENT RELATION SAID TUBE; CONNECTING MEANS; SAID MEANS CONNECTING SAID BIFURCATED PORTIONS TO COMPLETELY ENCIRCLE THE TUBE FOR MOUNTING SAID BRACKET; FIRST MEANS FORMED AT THE OTHER END OF SAID STRIP FOR RECEIVING AN EDGE PORTION OF THE LIGHT REFLECTING MEMBER; SECOND MEANS FORMED ON SAID STRIP BETWEEN THE ENDS THEREOF FOR RECEIVING THE OPPOSITE EDGE PORTION OF THE LIGHT REFLECTING MEMBER; SAID SECOND MEANS SPACED FROM SAID FIRST MEANS BY AN ARM PORTION WHICH 